Welcome to the
Albert L. Gunn,
Barbara J. Gunn
Foundation Inc.
We provide financial assistance to young people 18 to 26 years old who seek to enhance their career paths in ways other than traditional four-year universities or colleges.
Why we exist
Communities are strengthened when young people are economically empowered.
The foundation was created in 2023 to carry forward Barbara J. Gunn's wish to keep giving after her death. It supports students taking a different route — certification and trade programs that lead directly to skilled work.
The grant
Who we’re looking for
- 18–26 years old
- Resident of Cook County, Illinois
- Enrolled in a certification or trade school
- Completed at least 50% of your program
- Completed 20 hours of community service
Applications require a recommendation letter, a short essay, and proof of completed community service.
From the ceremony
The 2025 awards
Forty-eight young people from across Cook County received grants at our most recent ceremony.
Support the next group of recipients
The ALBJ Gunn Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donation can be earmarked as a write-off for your tax purposes.